The NCAA transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, introduced in 2018 and 2021, have entirely changed college football by giving players more freedom to move and make money. The portal lets athletes transfer schools without sitting out a year, leading to over 2,600 football players entering in 2023 and forcing coaches to rebuild rosters often, like Colorado, which added 51 transfers in one season.
NIL deals allow players to earn from endorsements and collectives, with stars like Shedeur Sanders reaching a $4.7 million valuation. While these changes give athletes more power and income, they’ve also made college football feel more like a business, with less focus on loyalty, team chemistry, and tradition, which some fans and critics think is hurting the game.
Five Biggest Surprises from the 2025 Transfer Portal
QB Nico Iamaleava, Former School: Tennessee Volunteers
Nico Iamaleava entering the 2025 spring transfer portal shocked the college football world. He was Tennessee’s starting quarterback and had just led the team to a 10-3 season and a College Football Playoff spot. Many expected him to take another step forward in Josh Heupel’s fast-paced offense.
REPORT: Nico Iamaleava is heading to UCLA, per @colincowherd.
Iamaleava’s family claims it was NOT about the money with Tennessee but the Vol’s offense. pic.twitter.com/HLJih3nIHF
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 16, 2025
But his sudden exit came after a public NIL contract dispute. Iamaleava wanted $4 million yearly—double his reported $2.2 million deal. His holdout from practice and Tennessee’s quick decision to move on made this one of the most surprising transfer moves in recent memory, especially considering his five-star background and the school’s significant investment in him.
DE Taje McCoy, Former School: Colorado Buffaloes
Taje McCoy’s decision to enter the 2025 spring transfer portal shocked fans. He was a rising star on Colorado’s defensive line, finishing third on the team with four sacks as a redshirt freshman in 2024.
McCoy was one of Deion Sanders’ first high school recruits and was seen as a key part of the rebuild. His strong play and early commitment made his departure unexpected. His bond with former defensive ends coach Vincent Dancy, now at Mississippi State, has sparked talk about a possible transfer there.
RB Jaydn Ott, Former School: Cal Golden Bears
Jaydn Ott’s decision to enter the 2025 transfer portal shocked fans after he previously committed to returning to Cal. The star running back had over 3,400 all-purpose yards and was expected to lead the offense.
His move came after a tough 2024 season with injuries, and rumors of SEC interest—known for strong programs and big NIL deals—grew fast. He committed to Oklahoma the next day, adding to a growing list of Cal transfers.
WR Micah Hudson, Former School: Texas Tech Red Raiders
Micah Hudson’s entry into the 2025 spring transfer portal was a surprise because he had just transferred from Texas Tech to Texas A&M in December but left before playing a single game. Hudson was a top recruit in the 2024 class and expected to help the Aggies’ offense.
BREAKING: Texas A&M WR Micah Hudson plans to re-enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, @PeteNakos_ reports.
Hudson is a Top 10 player in the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings⭐️https://t.co/04Zq6n2XpU https://t.co/5eMa6SFS0S pic.twitter.com/BQrLAh0YP4
— On3 (@On3sports) March 19, 2025
His sudden departure in January for personal reasons, confirmed by coach Mike Elko in March, confused fans. After an injury-filled freshman year with only eight catches, his quick moves and unclear future made his latest transfer a shock across college football.
CB Julian Humphrey, Former School: Georgia Bulldogs
Julian Humphrey’s decision to enter the 2025 transfer portal shocked Georgia fans. A starting cornerback in 2024, he recorded 26 tackles and five pass breakups for a top defense.
KEEP READING: Sawyer Robertson Transfer Portal: Landing Spots As Tennessee Plans To Steal Baylor Star Post Nico Iamaleava’s Exit
Despite being a former four-star recruit, Humphrey left after younger players like Daylen Everette and Daniel Harris emerged. His departure, with interest from teams like Oregon and Texas, was a big blow to Georgia’s defensive depth.
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